16 days in Italy Itinerary

Italy is a land of high fashion, fine art, exquisite architecture, luxury sports cars, outstanding cuisine--and an insatiable taste for "la dolce vita." It's also home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites in the world, making it an ideal place for your next holiday. The country boasts a varied landscape of mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and coastal towns, so it's no wonder travelers often refer to it as the bel paese (beautiful country). With so many places to visit, visitors often have a difficult time planning their itinerary. The smaller villages each feature a distinct character and a blend of architecture, art, and cuisine. In the country, you'll find countless archeological sites dating back to Roman times and beyond. The country's cities and seaside resorts are cosmopolitan powerhouses with museums, galleries, restaurants, shops, open-air markets, and pedestrian-friendly historic areas.

Bordered by the Alps on three sides and often overlooked by casual tourists, the Piedmont region is famous for its wines, including Moscato D'Asti, Barolo, and Barbera, to name just a few. Piedmont's cuisine is renowned throughout Italy. Its exotic white truffles--a precious ingredient used in first-class restaurants around the world--are often compared to gold because of their staggering cost. An ideal holiday destination for foodies, the region is also known for its thriving industries of fresh produce, nuts, and chocolates. There are many places to visit in Piedmont, including several medieval castles, trendy spa resorts, and cities with both historical attractions and modern industries.

In the northern part of the country and sharing a border with Switzerland, Lombardy is one Italy's largest regions. It stretches from the Alps all the way to the fertile lowlands of the Po Valley. An ideal holiday destination for winter sports enthusiasts, the region is home to some of the continent's most popular resorts. If you get tired of the mountain views, skiing, and winter clothes, explore the attractions of the southern part of the Lombardy, which is famous for its sprawling vineyards and booming wine production. A region of outstanding cuisine, fashion, history, and culture, Lombardy is dotted with lakes that are surrounded by places to visit, including villas, villages, and nature preserves.